Militello Rosmarino: Churches, Festivals and Paths

Militello Rosmarino stands with its historic center on a hill above the valley of the Torrente Rosmarino. The medieval character of the town layout divides the town into two areas connected by a narrow corridor. The oldest part of the historic urban fabric lies around the Norman Castle.

Churches, Art and Historic Traces

The Duomo di San Biagio is also known as the Chiesa Madre di Militello Rosmarino and is the town's most important place of worship. The present-day Chiesa Madre dates back to alterations and extensions in the 18th century; a place of worship dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra already stood on the same site in the 15th century. Above the main altar is a painting of the Immacolata by Giuseppe Tomasi, dated 1672. The furnishings also include a wooden crucifix from the late 16th century, a work by the Li Volsi masters from Tusa.

The Chiesa di San Domenico was built at the end of the 15th century at the behest of Enrico Russo. The Chiesa del Rosario was established from 1484 by the Baroni Rosso; a Dominican monastery was later added to it. Among the significant works of art in the churches of Militello Rosmarino is the Madonna col Bambino by Pietro Novelli. Beneath the Chiesa Madre is a crypt containing mummies of notable figures from the 18th century, as well as painted wooden niches and sarcophagi.

Monte Scurzi and Paths Through the Area

Monte Scurzi is a steep, 484-meter-high, cone-shaped and completely barren mountain. Traces of a protohistoric settlement have been identified on its summit. Numerous Trazzere and mule tracks cross the area of Militello Rosmarino, forming a network between the town center and the rural settlements. Scattered throughout the area are also the remains of water mills, reminders of activities that have since disappeared.

Festa di San Biagio

The traditional Festa di San Biagio in Militello Rosmarino is also celebrated on February 3. The ancient Santa Maria Lo Brignolito Abbey is opened only on the occasion of this Festa. The festival traditions include "SCIARA CA RAMA" and "CANNIZZOLI", which take place in the town's streets.

A Sciara is a procession in which children carry bundles of burning wild reeds through the streets of Militello Rosmarino. It takes place between January and February before the procession of San Biagio. The ancient Processione del simulacro di San Biagio follows the town's main street; a characteristic element is the "Run of the Saint". During L'ottava di San Biagio, the procession stops at a particular spot to sample a dish consisting of mortadella, salted sardines, bread, olives and red wine. An old tradition of this L'ottava also involves walking to a hill in Contrada Cuttunaro.

Pastizzottu di Militello Rosmarino

Pastizzottu di Militello Rosmarino contains cocoa in the filling and is covered with a layer of egg white decorated with chocolate. It is considered particularly tasty and almost extinct.

Further Historical References

The first edition of the Presepe vivente dei Nebrodi took place in 1998. In 1371, Militello and its castle were confirmed once again.

Further Places for Trip Planning

Villafranca Tirrena, Motta Camastra, Pettineo, Acquedolci, Oliveri, Castelmola, Sorrentini, Calderà

For the higher-level travel overview: Messina.